GUWAHATI, May 24 � Expressing confidence about retaining power at Dispur for the fourth consecutive time in 2016, Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi today announced a host of new schemes, including a new insurance policy and allocations for weavers and unorganized sector workers.
Addressing a public function held to mark the 14th anniversary of the Congress government, Gogoi also castigated the NDA government over the issue of removal of the Special State status to Assam and curtailment of Centrally-sponsored schemes, while reiterating his commitment to continue with the State government schemes.
�Our opponents have been raising many false allegations. Despite such allegations in the past, we have been successively winning polls and we will win again. People know whom to support, people know who work for the masses,� said the Chief Minister.
Gogoi announced a slew of schemes on the occasion. Under one such scheme, the State government will provide Rs 500 each to 10 lakh bank account holders who have deposits of less than Rs 10,000.
He announced Rs 400 crore each for the benefit of weavers and unorganized sector workers, besides two schemes of Rs 500 crore each for low-cost housing and police housing.
The Chief Minister announced an insurance scheme for the people of the State, under which up to Rs 2 lakh would be provided to families of people who pass away on account of any ailment or accident, on payment of a premium of only Rs 5 annually.
Gogoi said that the State has made all-round progress during the past 14 years and read out statistics citing growth in per capita income, GSDP, bank deposits, expansion of agriculture, education, health and other arena between 2001 and now. He said law and order situation has improved and civilian killings have come down from around 1,500 in 2001 to 154 last year.
He called upon NDFB(S) and ULFA(I) to come to the negotiating table and said the government is ready for talks with any group within the purview of the Constitution.
He, however, admitted that Assam still continues to be a backward State and as such needs Central assistance. Gogoi lambasted the Central government for curtailment of centrally sponsored schemes, including withdrawal of the Special State status.
�Now the Union Finance Minister is saying that Special State status was discontinued due to the recommendation of the 14th Finance Commission. Why did the Centre accept the recommendation of the 14th Finance Commission? It should immediately renew the benefits,� he said.
Gogoi added, �But let me assure you that we will not stop any State scheme. Instead, we will start new schemes� We are not beggars. The people of Assam have self-respect. The Centre will have to fulfil its obligation and responsibility towards Assam.�
He said the State government is going to bring an Act to ensure that agricultural land is not used for industrial purposes while ensuring that barren or waste land can be used for setting up industries.
Speaking on the occasion, Minister for Agriculture and Parliamentary Affairs Rakibul Hussain said that Congress will win the 2016 polls and Gogoi will again become the Chief Minister.
APCC chief Anjan Dutta and State ministers Bhumidhar Barman and Sarat Barkataky also spoke on the occasion.
